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The report, Developing Physically Active Girls: An Evidence-basedMultidisciplinary Approach, summarizes the most recent research pertaining tothe physical, psychological, social and cultural benefits girls derive fromparticipation in sport and physical activity, the barriers that prevent themfrom reaching their full potential and the kinds of environments in whichgirls learn how to develop and foster the best parts of themselves both on andoff the playing fields.
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"The research within the report confirms that many good things arehappening when it comes to girls and physical activity. Girls areparticipating in organized sports more than ever and at all levels -- fromorganized youth sports, to interscholastic sports and up through Olympiccompetition," said Nicole LaVoi, researcher and associate director of theTucker Center and a report author.
The report outlines the benefits girls' reap from physical activity suchas:
However, despite the breadth of knowledge specific to girls' physicalactivity and the variety of positive outcomes that can accrue throughparticipation, many barriers, stereotypes and gender inequities are firmly inplace that limit girls, according to the report.
"Poverty substantially limits many girls' access to, and participation in,physical activity and sport, especially for girls of color who areoverrepresented in lower socioeconomic groups. So while some girls arephysically active, many girls fail to meet minimal standards of physicalactivity needed to accrue developmental and health benefits, or worse, theyare completely sedentary. There remains a great deal of work left to be done,"LaVoi said.
What can be done to ensure that all girls have opportunities to increasephysical activity?
"The United States as a whole -- from parents and coaches to schooladministrators and community leaders to policy makers -- needs to make acommitment to eliminating the barriers girls in this nation face when it comesto engaging in sports and physical activity," said Mary Jo Kane, director ofthe Tucker Center. "Physical activity is not an 'add-on' but rather is a corevalue and principle for healthy and effective living."
The Tucker Center report is designed to provide a road map that puts thenation on the path to ensuring that every girl has ample opportunity to fullyengage in sport and physical activity. "Often, research done by sportsscholars sits on the shelves and practitioners -- such as coaches, parks andrecreation directors, and physical education teachers -- view the research ashaving no practical application," said University of Minnesota AssociateProfessor Diane Wiese-Bjornstal, another of the report's authors. "This reportaims at bridging the gap between theory and practice by detailing the bestsports and activity programs for girls and how to implement those programs."
For a copy of the report, go to: http://www.tuckercenter.org.-- Regular physical activity can improve health and reduce girls' risk of obesity and chronic diseases such as Type II diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. -- Girls' participation in physical activity can result in positive youth development, including social, psychological and motor skill benefits. -- Athletic girls perform better academically and have lower dropout rates than do their non-athletic counterparts. -- Girls participate not only for competitive reasons, but to get in shape, socialize with their peers, develop physical skills and to have fun.
SOURCE Univers
